Selective expression of insulin-like growth factor system components during porcine ovary follicular selection

In situ hybridization was used to map anatomical patterns of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system gene expression in the gilt ovary through the estrous cycle. IGF-I, IGF-II< and IGF-I receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were coexpressed in granulosa cells of developing and dominant follicles through the follicular phase. IGF-I and IGF-I receptor mRNAs were selectively concentrated in healthy follicles, whereas IGF-II mRNA was found in all follicles regardless of incipient or overt atresia. IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) was not detected in the gilt ovary at any stage. IGFBP-2 mRNA was most abundant in granulosa cells of small follicles and in the ovarian vasculature regardless of cycle stage. IGFBP-2 mRNA persisted in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea. IGFBP-3 mRNA was not detected in developing follicles, but was detected in all luteal phase corpora lutea, apparently expressed by theca lutein cells. IGFBP-4 demonstrated a highly dynamic pattern of gene expression, closely tracking LH receptor gene expression throughout the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. IGFBP-4 mRNA was concentrated in the theca of medium to large growing follicles, but was not detected in granulosa cells until the emergence of dominant follicles in the late follicular stage, when the granulosa cells showed morphological evidence of luteinization as well as LH receptor gene expression. IGFBP-4 mRNA expression continued in granulosa cells of corpora lutea during the luteal phase and was not detected in atretic follicles. IGFBP-5 mRNA was concentrated in the surface or germinal epithelium and in capillary endothelium, particularly in capillaries of corpora lutea. In summary, there is selective expression of IGF-I, IGF-I receptor, and IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNAs during the process of follicular selection in the gilt ovary, with IGFBP-4 expression being closely associated with follicular selection and luteinization. These observations support an important role for autocrine/paracrine IGF action modulated by IGFBP-2 and -4 in both follicular growth and differentiation in the porcine ovary.